Hall Doesn't Want Farhat Back As MVC Of Approps

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/04/2025) House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) made it clear on Monday he's not interested in having Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) return as the minority vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

In a letter to House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) dated Monday, Hall reiterated that Farhat allegedly pledged to support a bill after his amendments were agreed to and a couple of other Democratic-sponsored bills were slated to be passed. The Speaker wrote that he'll be interviewing and speaking with House caucus Democrats to “ensure that a replacement demonstrates the ability to secure buy-ins from your caucus when making commitments."

Hall said Puri could offer a suggestion, but “If your caucus intends to play a meaningful role in the Legislature, it must begin by demonstrating a willingness to engage in good faith and prioritize real results over political maneuvering.”

To this development, Farhat said he feels bad for the Speaker, who he believes is “spiraling a bit.” Farhat said he has faith that the institution will level-set and that the Governor ultimately won't sign a bad budget. He said he's asked his office to forward any messages or calls about a government shutdown to the Speaker's office. Meanwhile, he will be ready to negotiate a roads-focused budget.

“SMH stood for Speaker Matt Hall at the beginning of session. it now stands for ‘Shaking My Head,'" Farhat said.